Causes of Hydrocele

In a healthy person the Testicles go down from Abdomen to the Scrotum. The Hydrocele sac appears when this tube does not close in the Scrotum. So the Serous Fluid flows down from the Abdomen and start collecting in the Scrotum. This fluid causes the inflammation in the Scrotum.

The strange buildup of serous fluid may appear because of inflammation or injury to the testicle or Epididymis. Epididymis is a tube that carries Sperm.

The presence of blood or fluid in the Spermatic cord can also cause Hydrocele.

The disease of Hydrocele is common in old people.

Hydrocele can also be associated with the Inguinal Hernia. Inguinal Hernia is a type of Hernia in which an Intestinal Loop moves in the Inguinal Canal. This Hernia is common in Males.

Diagnosis of Hydrocele

The doctor diagnoses the Hydrocele with the physical examination. The doctor usually finds a hard Swollen Scrotum. In this case the Testicles cannot be felt due to the presence of fluid around it. it is found that applying pressure on the Scrotum can increase or decrease the size of liquid-filled sac on the sides of Testicles.

Hydrocele examination is also done by Transillumination. In this process a flash light is put on the Scrotum and if Scrotum is filled with the liquid the light passes through it.

Other Tests for Hydrocele

The Sonography and the Ultrasound tests are also used to diagnose the Hydrocele. It also helps us to differentiate between Hydroceles and Spermatoceles.

There are few diseases which are different from Hydrcoele but they can also give rise to the Scrotal swelling and they are

Hernia

Testicular teratoma

Varicocele

Epididymo- Orchitis

Epididymal Cyst

Morgagni Hydatid

Treatment of Hydrocele

Hydrocele is not dangerous and it does not require treatment unless they cause irritation. When the lumps become large and causes blood obstruction then the treatment becomes necessary. Sometimes the problem of Hydrocele is resolved itself.

Following are the treatments of Hydrocele

Needle Aspiration

In this treatment, a surgical needle is used to drain the fluid from the Testicles. This treatment is mostly used on those patients who have health from sue to the surgery. It is the best cure of Hydrocele without surgery.

Use of medications

Medicines can also be used to prevent the accumulation of fluids in the Testicles and it helps in the treatment of Hydrocele.

Surgery

If the Hydrocele is linked to the Inguinal Hernia then it has be removed through a surgery. This surgical method is known as Hydrocelectomy. It is a simple surgery but it should be carried out by an expert surgeon.

Complications in Hydrocele

The treatment of Hydrocele can cause other complications. The surgery and medications for the treatment of Hydrocele can lead to a problem known as Fibrosis. The excess fibrous connective tissues are developed in Fibrosis. The infection nad pain can also occur in the scrotal region.

Side Effects of Hydrocele’s Operation

The side effects of hydrocele can be

Infection

Injury to Testicles

Trauma of Scrotal Tissues

Blood Clots in Scrotum.

Hydrocele and Infertility

If the surgery for Hydocele is not done properly and injury is caused to the Vas Deferens then it can lead to Infertility however, the rate of Infertility is rare in Hydrocele.

Recovery Time for Hydrocele

The patients of Hydrocele recover soon after the surgery. They get back to their routine life after few days just the operated area takes few days in healing.

Hydrocele Management

In infants the Hydrocele resolves within a year. The parents should take notice of the Testicles whether the lump gets larger or is the same in size.

If the Hydrocele is left untreated, it can cause infection of the Serous Fluid in the Testes; the lump may swell and can block the blood to the Testicles. It ultimately causes the Infertility in the men.

In order to avoid the embarrassment at the later stages the Hydrocele should be treated soon otherwise it can lead to Infertility in the future.